75 Mitzvah Tanks to Impact 100,000 Jews Across NYC

This year, in honor of the Rebbe’s birthday, the Mitzvah Tank Office has set an ambitious goal: to impact 100,000 Jews. On Wednesday, Yud Alef Nissan, at 10:00 AM, a parade of 75 Mitzvah Tanks and screen trucks will depart from 770, spreading across Manhattan and beyond to distribute matzah, wrap tefillin, share Shabbos candles, and ignite Jewish pride on a massive scale.

“It’s an ambitious goal, but with the dedication of the tankistin and the generosity of our donors, it’s absolutely within reach,” says Rabbi Mordy Hirsch, Director of the Mitzvah Tank Office. “Our mission is to Interact with and Influence 100,000 Jews, Ignite their Jewish Pride, Inspire and Illuminate their neshoma and Impact their lives forever.”

Since October 7, tens of thousands of American Jews are actively seeking to reconnect with their heritage in what is being called “The Great Jewish Awakening”. Known as “October 8th Jews,” these formerly unaffiliated Jews are now eager to learn more about Judaism.

In fact, a recent survey of American Jews by the Jewish Federations of North America concluded that “Of the 83 percent of Jews who were ‘only somewhat,’ ‘not very’ or ‘not at all engaged’ prior to October 7, a whopping 40 percent are now showing up in larger numbers in Jewish life”, referring to it as “The Surge”. A similar percentage has also shown interest in providing a Jewish education for their children or joining a Synagogue.

Rising antisemitism has exposed a raw nerve among assimilated American Jews promting many to ask, “What do I believe in that’s worth defending?” The Wall Street Journal describes the trend as “an awakening among a group of people who were previously unaffiliated”, as Jews of all ages seek stronger community ties and a renewed sense of belonging.

“October 7 awakened the sleeping giant and Jews right now are hungry and crying to connect,” says Rabbi Hirsch. “On Yud Alef Nissan, we will be there for them.”

The “Mitzvah Tank” was born in response to the Yom Kippur War. While soldiers fought a physical battle in Israel, the Rebbe called on Lubavitchers to engage in a spiritual battle, using Mitzvah Tanks in place of army tanks. Fifty years later, with war once again ravaging Eretz Yisroel and our soldiers now reentering Gaza, the Mitzvah Tank Office, under the auspices of Lubavitch Youth Organisation, is continuing the mission. The Mitzvah Tanks in New York will help win the battle in Israel, bring home our hostages, and bring about the ultimate Geulah.